posts that contain mini-bios of our writers
by Ned Hayes for OLY ARTS The Olympia Symphony celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Concert at the Capitol on July 31, 2016. This annual “Festival on the Green” takes place on the grounds of the Washington State Capitol campus, and is a decade-long tradition for the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. In an unusual move, the …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The classic-rock band Blind Facsimile, aka Blind Fax, is Deb Rutter (vocals), Lorraine Stensager (vocals, keyboards), Tim Stensager (vocals, keyboards), Brian Ferris (guitar, backing vocals), Evan Ogden (drums) and Vince Chavez (bass). Chavez says the band “captures the heart and soul of classic rock, playing music which defined generations. …
by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS This summer Olympia will host a number of authors and writers at events ranging from book signings to story readings. Literary enthusiasts are encouraged to come out and lend their support to the written word. The Interminables Paige Orwin will visit the Olympia Timberland Library to discuss her …
by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS Apple Tree Productions’ summer season offers two musicals that aim to create a professional-theater experience for young actors and audiences alike. Seussical, based on the works of Dr. Seuss and starring youth aged 5-18, is the season’s big offering. “It’s really bright and fun,” said Apple Tree founder Heidi …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS On Aug. 5, Music in the Park moves to the Port Plaza at Percival Landing for a show from old-style-blues band Blues County Sheriff. Band members say they live to have fun and put on a great show. “Forget the myth that blues is sad music,” they say. “Our …
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Olympia’s TUSH! Burlesque has been cooperatively creating innovative and intelligent neo-burlesque since 2009. The troupe is a collective of vivacious women who were brought together by a shared vision: to rebel against commercial beauty standards. Its members represent an authentic and unconventional array of body types, ages and cultural …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS The gypsy-jazz band Swing 49 performs for Olympia’s Music in the Park this summer. Self-described as offering soulful vocal jazz, virtuosic guitar solos and funky horn lines, Swing 49 is Jacqueline Schafer, vocals; Tovi Newman, guitar; Forest Wilson, guitar; Logan Bean, trumpet and Joe Eunice, bass. Calling Olympia home, …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS EDITOR’S NOTE: This event was cancelled by the venue on Aug. 4. — Olympia painter Barlow Palminteri graces the walls of Salon Refu with a series of paintings of his backyard. “Everything was within 500 feet of the house,” Palminteri says. The gallery will be filled with paintings and …
by Christian Carvajal for OLY ARTS Pumphouse is an Olympia-based rock band that draws from the sock-hop days of the ’50s all the way up to the bar rock of the 21st century. They play tight because they are tight: band decisions are made as a collective. So when drummer-vocalist Terry Brodsky, bassist Ed Hess, …
by Alec Clayton for OLY ARTS This summer marks the 36th season of children’s theater programs and performances by Creative Theatre Experience at Olympia High School. The program is run by Kathy Dorgan, drama director at OHS. Classes are offered in art, drama, music and other aspects of the performing arts. “CTE’s mission,” said Dorgan, …